I bought some counterfeit medals, what to do next?
MorganMan94
Posts: 1,330 ✭✭✭✭✭
Hi all, I don't usually post on this side of the forums but I am looking for some help. I recently purchased some third reich medals off of Liveauctioneers through an auction house in Pennslyvania. The entire sale was WW2 related items with quite a few German items so I figured I would be okay. Needless to say my lot of four medals all turned out to be counterfeit. Not even good or high quality counterfeits! What should I do next? This is part of the auction terms but is possible to get around as they are obvious counterfeits? They aren't silver and they don't have the mint on the rim, I don't know much but I do know these are bad.
"We are not authenticators. We do not guarantee these items are in fact WWII original. We try to catalog these items to the best of our knowledge. You are urged to inspect these items to determine authenticity or contact us."
Comments
The auction terms are written to protect the auctioneer. "We try to catalog these items to the best of our knowledge." A line like this in auction terms is a red flag. I am sorry to say that I think you are out of luck.
Did you inspect the items or contact them as they urged? (Another red flag!)
If they are obvious counterfeits, then they either know nothing, or know exactly what they are selling. You presumed they knew something because they are in the business. Call them and tell them you are returning them for your money back to see what they say. You are a distance from them to inspect. Per their suggestion to call them, what would a call do for you. Would they have told you they were counterfeits. Probably not. Good luck, hope you fare well.
If they are obvious fakes, why did you not see the obvious signs? If because you did not inspect items before, then it's on you. No backsies. Can you dispute thru the cc you used? Otherwise don't do online auctions if you can't see the details needed to do your homework. Touchy feely presale auctions are the way to go. Peace Roy
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Most real auctions are still the wild west. Sold as is where is. Inspect beforehand.
I know that sometimes with artwork there is some recourse if they presented it as authentic.
Maybe they will take pity on you if you call them but I am not sure they are obligated to do anything.
If they are selling counterfeits - whether they know it or not, there should be recourse to return them, and have the auction company return them to the consignor. This is how eBay works, and the same with Heritage. If this is one of those auction outfits that sells farm equipment and antique furniture, there may be some pushback. Tell them you may have to file a police report and cc the Secret Service. A good auctioneer will gladly accept them back and make the consignor take them back and make it right.
I do plan on calling them Monday and asking them to take the return before going through my credit card company. I did not view the lot in person as it is halfway across the country, I thought they were corroded but genuine based off the photos. After getting them in hand they don't have the mint on the rim, they are grainy and painfully obvious fakes. I took a chance and it didn't work out.
My guess is that the auction house will attempt to wash its hands of the transaction and rely on their disclaimer to tell you to pound sand. However, since you paid by credit card, they may allow a return as a "courtesy". Most likely, you will have to call your card and force a refund by claiming to have received bad goods and then be willing to accept a ban from the auction house.
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Sorry to hear this. Yes, give them a call. Good luck, hope it works out in your favor !!!
If they won't take them back, definitely dispute the charge on the credit card!
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